Sudan restates claim to Abyei as new committee chief takes over

Sudan has reaffirmed its claim to the disputed Abyei region as a new head of its Abyei oversight committee took office in Khartoum.

Retired Maj. Gen. Al-Khair Abdullah Idris Abu Muridat, appointed by Sovereignty Council chairman Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on September 23, took over from Hamid Mannan at a handover ceremony on Saturday overseen by Sovereignty Council member Abdullah Yahya.

“Abyei belongs to Sudan,” Abu Muridat said, while describing relations between Khartoum and Juba as “strong.” He promised to pursue a peaceful settlement that spares the area’s communities further suffering, called for cooperation based on the 2011 agreements, and pledged to serve all communities without discrimination. He also urged the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to protect civilians and fulfil its mandate.

Before the appointment, Abu Muridat headed the intelligence department of the Rapid Support Forces, having been seconded from the Sudanese army.

A dispute without end

The oil-producing Abyei area is claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan. The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement promised a referendum on its future, but the vote has never taken place because the two sides disagree on who can take part, especially whether the nomadic Misseriya may vote. The Ngok Dinka, the area’s main resident community, largely identify with South Sudan.

Interim administrative and security arrangements agreed in 2011 remain in place, but Abyei’s final status is still unresolved.

Source: Radio Tamazuj

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Sudan restates claim to Abyei as new committee chief takes over

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